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Kids and family

Top Sandnes tips

Last updated: 20.09.2024
Gramstad, Sandnes
Outdoor adventures in Sandnes|© Marie Von Krogh/ Vinterfilm/ Ut i Sandnes
Outdoor adventures in Sandnes|© Marie Von Krogh/ Vinterfilm/ Ut i Sandnes

Do your kids love outdoor activities? Sandnes is easy to get to, easy to get around in. Give your kids a holiday to remember!


Kjerag. Photo: Lysefjorden Adventure
Kjerag. Photo: Lysefjorden Adventure

Sandnes is deep fjords and mountains, beaches and quiet fishing lakes. Sandnes is the Lysefjord, Kjerag, Flørli, Preikestolen and the family park Kongeparken, but also a city park, canoeing, bike tours, climbing and an exciting science factory. The town of Sandnes is further popular for shopping.

Highlights

Hike to Kjerag in the Lysefjord

Hike to Kjerag in the Lysefjord

Kjerag is called the majesty of the Lysefjord, Ryfylke. Most people are content to enjoy the fjord view, but for many, Kjeragbolten is the highlight.

Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

In Flørli in the Lysefjord, Ryfylke, you'll find the world's longest wooden staircase (Flørli Stairs) with 4,444 steps. A demanding but family-friendly hike.

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

Lysefjorden is a spectacular journey through Norwegian nature. Discover Lysefjorden, one of Norway's most impressive fjords, renowned for its dramatic mountain formations like Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag.

Gramstad. Photo: Marie von Krogh/ Vinterfilm/ Ut i Sandnes
Gramstad. Photo: Marie von Krogh/ Vinterfilm/ Ut i Sandnes

Sandnes equals nature, nature, nature

10 minutes from the city of Sandnes is Gramstad, a dream spot for nature-loving families. Rent a lean-to shelter or a room at the Gramstadtunet, hike to the Revholstjørn pond. Paddle on the water, light up the bonfire. Buckle up your hammocks in the Eventyrskogen forest. Just a little bit scary! If your kids are up for it, the two-hour hike to Dalsnuten comes highly recommended. Fabulous views of the entire region from the top!

Adventures

Lean-to Shelters at Gramstad

Lean-to Shelters at Gramstad

The fairytale forest at Gramstad is a popular place for children and adults in all kinds of weather. Small shelters have been built so that you can eat your packed lunch and remain dry if the weather is not on your side.

Hike to Dalsnuten

Hike to Dalsnuten

Dalsnuten: Popular peak by the Gandsfjord in Sandnes. Short and easy hike from Gramstad, suitable for the whole family all year round.

Guided hike to Månafossen waterfall and Dalsnuten from Stavanger

Guided hike to Månafossen waterfall and Dalsnuten from Stavanger

Join a guided day trip to Månafossen waterfalls and Dalsnuten with Get Guided Norway! Two places where you can see nature in all its beauty!

Smiles are on the house

The city of Sandnes is full of family fun - with little distance between the highlights. Whether you arrive by car, campervan, bus, train or by leisure boat, you suddenly find yourself in the heart of the action. The brand new park, Rutenparken, tempts with a skatepark, and just next to it is the most traditional shopping street in Norway, Langgata. Should your blood sugar get too low from all the shopping, there are "rescue" stations on every corner. Food trucks, cafes and restaurants await you. And the very special "Sandnes warranty" applies: Smiles are on the house.

Sandnes city centre

Ruten in Sandnes

Ruten in Sandnes

Ruten: Award-winning city park in Sandnes! The city's gathering site, fountains, play areas, skate park, roller skating track and green areas.

Kvadrat shopping centre in Sandnes

Kvadrat shopping centre in Sandnes

Holidays and shopping go hand in hand. Kvadrat shopping centre in Sandnes is a great place to start. And Kvadrat offers much more than just shopping!

GamlaVærket - Emanuels Plass Café

GamlaVærket - Emanuels Plass Café

After a long day of adventures and shopping in Sandnes, you might be feeling just a tad hungry. A stop at Emanuels Plass Café is a welcome stop on the route.

Sandnes sentrum. Foto: Marie Von Krogh/ Vinterfilm/ Ut i Sandnes
Sandnes sentrum. Photo: Marie Von Krogh/ Vinterfilm/ Ut i Sandnes

Busy bees in the city

At the Science centre, Vitenfabrikken, meet a queen bee or visit the planetarium where you explore the universe - an infinity of stars and planets. Visit interactive exhibitions and join in on fun activities. Play, compete and experiment. A short stroll away is the park, Sandvedparken, and the Planet path, Planetstien, where 1 meter corresponds to 1 million kilometres in space.

Familiedag

Vitenfabrikken

Discover this popular science museum in Sandnes. There are four levels of exhibitions and activities. Topics are natural science, mathematics, energy and astronomy, regional industrial history and Sandnes' city history.

Sandvedparken

The planet trail at Sandvedparken

At the planet trail in Sandnes' green oasis, you can sense the distances in our solar system. It's a replica of our solar system, in a ratio of 1:1 billion. Walking one meter on the path equals 1 million kilometres in space. On foot or by bike!

The Lysefjord from start to finish

From Forsand to the end of the fjord, at Lysebotn, the fjord counts 42 dramatic kilometres. On one side of the fjord is the world-famous Preikestolen, and on the other side is the majestic Kjerag boulder. Stay the night at a farm at Gøysa Gard. Experience the small-community charm at Songesand. Go on a bike ride in the midst of fjords and mountains, waterfalls and lakes. Go on an hour-boat ride to the end of the fjord, Lysebotn. Campsite, cabins or a hostel can accommodate you for the night. Try your fishing luck, go for walks, rent a kayak or a bike. Are you super fit? There are no less than 27 hairpin turns to test you on your way to Ørneredet (the Eagle's Nest), the starting point of the hike to the famous Kjerag boulder.

Places to stay in the Lysefjord

Accommodation at Gøysa Gard by the Lysefjord

Accommodation at Gøysa Gard by the Lysefjord

Gøysa Gard in Forsand offers charming accommodation with a spectacular view of Lysefjorden. An ideal starting point for exploring Ryfylke and Stavanger.

DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte in Lysebotn

DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte in Lysebotn

The colourful DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte is the perfect place to start experiencing Lysebotn, Lysefjorden and Kjerag.

Bakken gard in Lysefjorden

Bakken gard in Lysefjorden

Bakken gard is a wonderful old farm located halfway in Lysefjorden, between Bratteli and Songesand. The Stavanger Trekking Association owns the cabin. 

The majestic Kjerag boulder

The iconic boulder Kjerag wedged in between a crevasse in the mountain is world-known. Taking the leap out onto the boulder is not for everyone, and especially not for kids or the faint-hearted. However, for a family who is used to being in nature and those used to difficult hikes, the hike to Kjerag is a great experience. The views of the Lysefjord are spectacular from the 1,084 metre-tall mountain. The hike starts at Øygardstøl, also called Ørneredet (the Eagle's Nest), around 2,5 hours by car from Sandnes. The demanding hike takes around 5-6 hours. Don't forget to dress according to the weather, and bring warm clothing. If you are not used to hiking in the mountains it is strongly recommended to book a nature guide for your own safety.

nature, mountain formations in norway, famous kjerag mountain and kjerag boulder

Hike to Kjerag in the Lysefjord

Kjerag is called the majesty of the Lysefjord, Ryfylke. Most people are content to enjoy the fjord view, but for many, Kjeragbolten is the highlight.

Hikes for everyone

Look at this magnificent hike at the Lifjell mountain! This hike is rather strenuous, however, Sandnes offers hikes for all levels of hikers. From the kid-friendly walks for families with toddlers to the tougher and longer expeditions for the slightly elder children. The landscape changes from mountains and forests, to summits and grass-covered hills. Waterfalls, lakes and a coastline - this is also Sandnes. First to the top!

Learn more about the hike to the Lifjell mountain

Lifjell from Hommersåk

Lifjell from Hommersåk

For a great view, Lifjell is one of the best viewing points of northern Jæren. From the top, you can enjoy magnificent views of Stavanger, the Gandsfjord, the North Sea and Ryfylke. Going up from Hommersåk gives you an amazing view of Riska and Strandalandet.

Lifjell from Dale

Lifjell from Dale

For a great view, Lifjell is one of the best viewing points of northern Jæren. From the top, you can enjoy magnificent views of Stavanger, the Gandsfjord, the North Sea and Ryfylke.

Guided hike to Lifjell

Guided hike to Lifjell

Stavanger Adventure offers premium private guided hikes to Lifjell, Sandnes – with a maximum of 4 guests per group for a more personal and exclusive experience.

Tree climbing at Melshei

Get ready for fun in the trees at the climbing park, Skogsprett Klatrepark. Feel those butterflies in your stomach when dangling up to 13 metres above the ground. Skogsprett Klatrepark is located in the recreational area of Melshei, just under 30 minutes by bike from the centre of Sandnes. You could also follow the path to the Rogaland Arboretum, where you can experience a collection of 1,500 trees from all over the world: Mum, look at that strange-looking shrub, over there!

Visit

SkogSprett Klatrepark

SkogSprett Klatrepark

SkogSprett Klatrepark is a unique climbing park located in beautiful Melsheia in Sandnes. SkogSprett offers three different activities: a net park for even small children, a state-of-the-art climbing park and SUP courses.

Melshei

Melshei

Melshei is a popular forest area in Sandnes for hiking year-round.

Rogaland Arboretum

Rogaland Arboretum

The arboretum is a large collection of both common and unusual bushes and trees from all over the world, and the whole area covers an area of 173 acres.

The stunning Lysefjord and 4444 Flørli

The Lysefjord is a mesmerising fjord, and also home to an attraction worth seeing on a visit, namely, the attraction 4444 Flørli. Starting in May, Rødne Fjord Cruise offers tours to Flørli, the rest of the year you need to go by ferry from Lauvvik to Flørli and Lysebotn. The attraction Flørli can be seen on the last stop before Lysebotn. Flørli is a challenge, as it requires you to walk the world's longest wooden staircase of 4,444 steps. The steps are a bit scary for the smallest kids, and you should be an experienced hiker to attempt the stairs. It is not recommended to go during winter. Season: May - October.

Explore the Lysefjord

Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

In Flørli in the Lysefjord, Ryfylke, you'll find the world's longest wooden staircase (Flørli Stairs) with 4,444 steps. A demanding but family-friendly hike.

Day trip to the Flørli stairs

Day trip to the Flørli stairs

The world's longest wooden staircase! Rødne Fjord Cruise takes you to Lysefjord where you can hike Flørli's Flørlitrappene with 4,444 steps every weekend.

Adrenaline rush at Kongeparken

Kongeparken is located in natural surroundings only 10 minutes from Sandnes by car. Explore and enjoy more than 60 adventures and activities! Don't miss the magical chocolate factory, or the chance to meet the hero of tractors, the Little Grey Fergie in Gråtassland (the land of the Little Grey Fergie). Or how about Norway's tallest drop tower where you plunge at 125 kilometres an hour? Prepare for some real jitters! The main season starts in May.

Stormen

Kongeparken Daypass

All Kongeparken Daypasses give you access to the park and give you a day full of magic and excitement. In the park, over 60 attractions and experiences await you and your family. Brumle and all his friends welcome to Kongeparken.

Horse-crazy, anyone?

Are you a horse-loving family? In that case, we have the perfect suggestion; Tryggvi Islandshestgård (Icelandic horse farm), merely 10 minutes from Sandnes centre with riding lessons for all ages and levels. Horses Eldingur and Nattfari patiently await you at the stables along with the other four-legged friends. Guided riding tours, riding school and intensive riding lessons are some of the offers. Can you hear the happy neigh?

Tryggvi Islandshestgård

Tryggvi Islandshestgård

Experience the robust and tölting Icelandic horse - no matter your previous riding experience. Tryggvi Islandshestgård offers guided tours on Icelandic horses with different levels of experience, and the trails and speeds are adjusted to each level.

Fishing, paddling, camping

Imagine the splash from the ores hitting the water or the feeling of the jerking from the fishing rod when the fish bites. In terms of water-related activities for the entire family, Sandnes has a lot to offer. Visit Alsvik nature centre, and do it by bike if you like, around 40 minutes from the centre. Rent a bike or a canoe at Frilager or Kronen Gaard Hotell. Remember the fishing rod. The Tengesdalsvatnet lake is ideal for family camping, some 25 minute-drive from Sandnes. It has a lovely shoreline and is a perfect starting point for hikes. In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere around the bonfire.

Fishing and camping

Alsvik Nature Centre

Alsvik Nature Centre

At Alsvik natursenter (nature centre), there are hiking trails and open-air structures such as barbecue facilities and shelters.

Kronen Gaard Hotell

Kronen Gaard Hotell

Explore the tranquility, charm, quality food and historical bustle of the Kronen Gaard Hotel: a traditional and cozy hotel in a rural setting, a short distance from the center of Sandnes.

Canoe rental in Sandnes

Canoe rental in Sandnes

Kronen Gaard Hotel has 12 canoes available for hire for guests and others interested in trying canoe paddling. A great way of getting closer to Norwegian nature.

Accommodation in Sandnes and surroundings

Scandic Stavanger Forus

Scandic Stavanger Forus

Welcome to Scandic Stavanger Forus, which is close to everything! A large, exciting hotel centrally located between Stavanger and Sandnes.

Thon Hotel Sandnes

Thon Hotel Sandnes

After great experiences and powerful impressions, a good night's sleep awaits. Thon Hotel Sandnes is located at Lura with a great view of the Gandsfjord. What more do you need?

City centre hotels in Sandnes

GamlaVærket Hotell

GamlaVærket Hotell

GamlaVærket Gjæstgiveri & Tracteringssted is more than just a hotel, it's a tale of the city's history.

Quality Hotel Residence

Quality Hotel Residence

Quality Hotel™ Residence: In the centre of Sandnes, part of Vågen shopping centre. Walk dry-shod to the cinema, shopping, and Mathallen.

Hotel Sverre

Hotel Sverre

A 3-minute walk from the bus and train station in Sandnes city centre, Hotel Sverre offers great value-for-money accommodations and breakfast.

Vinterland i Sandnes
Vinterland i Sandnes|© Marie von Krogh/ Ut i Sandnes

Winterland in Sandnes

The event "Vinterland i Sandnes" (Winterland in Sandnes) was new from the year 2021 and is an annual addition to the city park Rutenparken. There is a lot of fun for all ages, and before Christmas, there are several stalls where you can find something to put under the tree for your loved ones. A Ferris wheel, carousel and ice rink are just some of the great activities available.

More info on Vinterland i Sandnes

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